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A sign really has one job, to ensure people understand some vital detail. The previous sentence is longer than a good sign, it has to be short, snappy and to the point, worded so clearly so as to avoid any potential misunderstandings. As it turns out, making a good sign is an art and not all signmakers are made equal.

So we’ve collected some hilarious examples of signs that are just pointless, incomprehensible or just downright confusing. Get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts and examples in the comments down below.

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    #2

    Look At That Smug Face

    A real seagull standing on a hilariously failed sign that prohibits birds from landing on it.

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    #3

    This Time , I Don’t Have A Valentine

    A hilariously failed sign offering dark humor, stating no one loves you on other days either if sad about Valentine's Day.

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    Purple Gurl
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Needs aloe vera for that burn

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    #4

    Wall

    A hilariously failed sign on a glass door that reads I identify as a WALL, Please use other door.

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    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I want an "I identify as a Post. Please talk to someone else." T-shirt.

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    #5

    "Do Not Touch" Must Be One Of The Scariest Things To Read In Braille

    A hilariously failed red sign with white text says HOT SURFACE DO NOT TOUCH, with braille below it.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    High Voltage would also be bad.

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    #8

    Loose Gravel

    A hilariously failed sign warns of loose gravel as large boulders cover the road.

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    #9

    Good To Know, Almost Made A Mistake

    A hilariously failed sign reading DO NOT BREATHE UNDER THE WATER.

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    #10

    On The Road To Success

    An Intel truck with 'No shortcuts' text stuck under a low bridge, a hilarious sign failure.

    unknown Report

    #11

    Flood Defences

    A sign promoting flood risk reduction submerged in floodwaters, a hilarious sign failure.

    nomaddd79 Report

    #12

    Punctuation Matters!

    A hilariously failed sign at the water edge states, CROCODILES DO NOT SWIM HERE.

    Sally Hughes Report

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    #13

    World’s Most Pointless Warning Sign

    A hilariously failed sign warns of sand in the middle of a vast desert with sand everywhere.

    ctnguy Report

    Daaaaave's not here, maaan
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I assume that it's a warning about potential sand drifts on the road, but it still makes for a hilarious visual 😆

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    #14

    One Of The Better Auditor Traps I've Seen

    A hilariously failed sign in a natural setting, red with white text, that says PRIVATE SIGN DO NOT READ.

    THEMIKEPATERSON Report

    #15

    Tight Security

    A hilariously failed sign states constant video surveillance below a camera pointed at the ceiling.

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    Ok Then
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He had one job...

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Does This Qualify?

    A chalkboard sign states Braille Menu Available, but is written in print, a hilariously failed sign.

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    Demdumpin
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sign is out of touch with reality :)

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    #17

    This Sign At A Restaurant I Went To

    A sign on a tiled wall stating EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS and If employee is not available, please wash your own, hilariously failed at instruction.

    VashMatematik Report

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    #18

    A sign at a store hilariously failed to provide useful information, stating, IF ITS IN STOCK WE HAVE IT!

    Howard Siefke Report

    Razill
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im pretty sure this is a souvenir store here in Vegas.

    #19

    Uhm, What Happened Here?

    A funny sign for skiers says Caution: Trees Don't Move, an example of a hilariously failed sign.

    willowpelt_ Report

    #20

    Most Pointless Sign In The World

    A hilariously failed sign on a yellow emergency phone post reads, Emergency Phone Not Installed. Please Do Not Have An Emergency At This Location.

    UK Cop Humour Report

    Demdumpin
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "And neither is the fire hydrant, so please do not have a fire at this location"

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    #21

    Heads Up!

    A hilariously failed sign says Beware of Wall on a blank wall in a warehouse.

    GRAPHICSPEDIA Report

    Greenkitty
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Believe me, without that sign I would definitely walk right into that wall.

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    #22

    Well That’s Ironic

    A sign on a fence hilariously failed by reading NO SIGNS, humorously contradicting itself.

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    #23

    This Sign Tells You Where You Are In A Very Obvious And Unhelpful Way

    A hilariously failed sign pointing down to the ground that reads YOU ARE HERE.

    forlackofabetterpost Report

    Demdumpin
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It could also read "You are now-here :)

    #24

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign on a clear gumball machine filled with peanuts states, May Contain Peanuts, with a 25-cent label.

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    Heffalump
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm slightly disturbed by the implication that what's in there might not be peanuts.

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    #26

    A warning sign on a gate that reads 'Gate does not open while closing', a hilarious sign failure.

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    Dedly
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's fair enough. You have to wait for it to close fully before opening again.

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    #27

    I'd Never Have Noticed Without The Sign, Thanks

    A hilariously failed sign reading DO NOT USE next to a broken urinal with exposed pipes in a public restroom.

    GryphonSK Report

    Courtney Scherger
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now why can't we use that one? (Yes I am being sarcastic)

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    #28

    Thank You For Driving Carefully

    An overturned car next to a sign that says 'Thank you for driving carefully', a hilarious sign failure.

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    #29

    That'll Show Em (Sign On A Hotel Window)

    A hilariously failed sign against mosquitos on a window, with a vast outdoor space visible beyond.

    Oangetomato Report

    Daaaaave's not here, maaan
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, Terence, I'm afraid you'll have to stay in your crate then.

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    #30

    Thanks For The Useless Fact!

    A plaque on a brick wall reads On This Site In 1897 Nothing Happened, a hilariously failed sign of historical significance.

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    #31

    Nothing Written In Stone

    A stone slab engraved with NOTHING IS WRITTEN IN STONE, a sign that hilariously failed its own statement.

    unknown Report

    #32

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign advertises organic boneless bananas for $1.29 per lb.

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    #33

    Useless Sign

    A sign on a library door reads Library Is Closed Until Opening Time, a clear instance of a hilariously failed sign.

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    Daaaaave's not here, maaan
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please tell me that the other side reads "Library is open until closing time" 🙏

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    #34

    Water On Road

    A man in a neon vest hilariously failed holding a sign that reads CAUTION WATER ON ROAD DURING RAIN on a sunny day.

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    #35

    A hilariously failed sign reading PLEASE CLOSE GATE on a wooden gate that is not closed and has a large gap.

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    #36

    What Caused This To Be Put In Place?

    A hilariously failed sign on an elevator door showing a no-car symbol.

    Aesha_Reborn_Again Report

    Potato Vic
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An idiot. Most of the signs are there for idiots 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

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    #37

    A Hotel Lobby In New Orleans This Morning

    A hilariously failed sign, a yellow wet floor sign in a building lobby completely flooded with water.

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    #38

    Another Product From The "Completely Useless Sign Company"

    A sign by the ocean hilariously states County Road Ends At Water, demonstrating a sign that failed its purpose.

    Cultural_Magician105 Report

    christinaandrews59
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well I hope so but makes you wander how many times people have dtlriven into the water

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    #40

    A hilariously failed sign in a grassy field with mountains in the background, reading BEWARE OF SIGNS, failing its purpose.

    Useless, Unsuccessful, and/or Unpopular Signage Report

    BlackCatWithWhiteSocks
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me about it! I saw what happened to the guy after the drive carefully sign

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    #41

    A hilariously failed road sign with many arrows pointing in all directions, failing to give clear guidance.

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    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike…"

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    #42

    Truly Ironic

    A hilariously failed sign for a book titled The Best Things in Life Are Free, with a price tag of £16.99.

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    Ralph Van Loton
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But you can give them to the Bird & Bees, I want money. (That's what I want)

    #43

    Irony

    A sign on a lawn says Learn to Read FREE! with a phone number, a sign that hilariously failed its message.

    stealthily_ Report

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    #45

    Most Pointless Sign Found In Cornwall, England

    A road sign pointing both left and right for Camborne and all other destinations, hilariously failed at providing clear direction.

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    Kathy Brooke
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I drive through this one most weeks. Believe me, it does have a rational when you're there.

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    #46

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign that reads SIGN NOT IN USE on a roadside.

    Karyote300 Report

    Giles McArdell
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See these occasionally, they are to indicate that the usual signage (deliberately missed out in this photo for humorous effect) should not be used/adhered to, usually while some road works have altered the road layout.

    #47

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign warning that it has sharp edges and to not touch it.

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    Ok Then
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, it said not to so naturally I'm creeping toward the edges…

    #48

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign reads ENTRANCE ONLY DO NOT ENTER, creating a funny paradox.

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    #49

    What

    A road sign that hilariously failed its purpose, reading 'Right Lane Must Right Left' against a background of trees.

    200K_Official Report

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    #50

    Are Pets Allowed Or Not?

    Two conflicting signs: one says NO PETS ALLOWED, the other ALL PETS MUST BE ON LEASH. A sign that hilariously failed.

    [deleted] Report

    #51

    The Tans Will Fade

    A decorative sign that reads The tans will fade, but the will last forever, a sign that hilariously failed with a missing word.

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    #52

    School For The Deaf

    A hilariously failed sign at Texas School for the Deaf advertises a pancake breakfast with live music.

    CaptainAdventurous Report

    lincholn6echo
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ??? even if you are totally 100% deaf (which is kinda rare, most "deaf" people still have tiny traces of hearing left) you can still feel music!

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    #53

    The Most Pointless Sign

    A hand dryer with a sign above it stating HAND DRYER IS WORKING, hilariously failed at its intention.

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    #54

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign states food is an important part of a balanced diet, with a picture of a burger and fries.

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    setsuriseikou
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I've heard of people on a coffee-and-cigarettes diet, so they'd better pay attention to this

    #55

    This Pool Depth Sign

    A hilariously failed sign at a pool with 0ft 0in depth, warning NO DIVING.

    unknown Report

    #56

    I'm Sure Glad We Cleared That Up

    A hilariously failed sign states Parking Available In Empty Spaces Only, showcasing a humorous sign failure.

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    Ralph Van Loton
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sign posted at the Michigan House of Representatives parking lot.

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    #57

    Pointless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign with the text NEW SIGN COMING SOON above a landscape with hills and a cloudy sky.

    SloppySexDream Report

    Astrobloom (they/them)
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For context, in WA (the Aus one, not whatever American state it refers to), there is a high rate of bushfires in the summer (40c will do that), and there is a scale of how high the risk is. I think it goes from low to catastrophic, and it's updated every day. A few years ago, they updated them all to digital, and while they were doing that people needed to go to the website mentioned to find the fire danger rating to stay safe.

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    #58

    A hilariously failed blank blue sign by a road, failing to convey any message.

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    #59

    A crosswalk sign that hilariously failed, depicting a person with a cane with an arrow pointing right for an 'audible signal'.

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    #60

    No Cars

    A no-vehicles sign on a forest path with stairs, a hilariously failed sign for the road.

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    Potato Vic
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Th3re must've been a Jeep incident 😂😂

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    #61

    It Does Not Run On Magic!

    A hilariously failed sign warns Battery Has Been Removed on an empty battery compartment.

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    #62

    Found This In The Middle Of Nowhere

    A white sign in a field reads NO SIGNS NO EXCEPTIONS, a hilariously failed sign.

    The-Parzival Report

    #63

    Pouring It On Thick At Hersheypark

    A sign at Hersheypark reads Take the Stage, but a smaller sign below says Please Stay Off Stage, a hilariously failed sign.

    OMGLMAOWTF_com Report

    Demdumpin
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Don't put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington"

    #64

    Guaranteed Fresh With Mold!

    A hilariously failed sign in a store, claiming Guaranteed FRESH above a rusty and dirty shelf.

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    #65

    I Also Saw A Pointless Sign Today

    A hilariously failed sign warning to beware of a pole, with the signpost itself being the pole.

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    Beaker72
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This makes perfect sense to anyone capable of applying some thought to it for more than 3 seconds

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    #66

    A Most Unhelpful Street Sign

    A brown road sign with a question mark on it, hilariously failed at providing direction.

    antmansbigxmas Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It means information. I guess it's not universal.

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    #67

    Useless Sign

    A hilariously failed sign with a fire hydrant icon above an actual fire hydrant.

    Karyote300 Report

    Potato Vic
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it's somewhere where it snows so the plow doesn't hit it

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    #68

    Thank Goodness For The Sign. I Almost Used The Basin

    A bathroom sign that hilariously failed, taped above a completely shattered basin, stating 'Do Not Use Basin'.

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    #69

    Broken

    A sign that hilariously failed its purpose by stating 'Dispenser is Broken' above an obviously empty soap dispenser.

    Insanitychick Report

    Greenkitty
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They got tired of everyone telling them the dispenser is broken.

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    #70

    Are They?

    A kookaburra in a cage with a sign stating kookaburras are inside, a hilariously failed sign.

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    Nota Robot
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, they normally sit on the old gum tree, laughing.

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    #71

    My Township Newsletter... Delivered In A Plastic Bag

    A roll of plastic bags with a 'Say no to plastic bags' label, a hilarious sign failure.

    Zulbak Report

    #72

    Unhelpful Signage

    A red sign with arrows pointing to the right for customer car park and to the left for deliveries, hilariously failed at clear direction.

    mattk1017 Report

    Ralph Van Loton
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How so? Guests go this way; overtaxed working people, you have an idiot-free area to fulfill your job. Ahhhh...

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    #73

    This Unhelpful Sign

    A hilariously failed sign pointing in both directions towards a Walled Garden Castle.

    lsdeverywhere Report

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    #74

    Really Pointless Sign

    A street scene with a hilariously failed sign of eyeglasses on a pole, overlooking a busy intersection with cars and pedestrians.

    Junkle_monkle Report

    Magnell
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why pointless? Just informing drivers that blind people are using the crossing...

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    #75

    This Sign Reminding Me That The Stairs Go Down

    A man walking up stairs past multiple signs that hilariously failed by pointing 'Down' at a Great Western Railway station.

    Flabajacka123 Report

    #76

    Which Way Tho?

    Confusing trail signs on a tree hilariously failed to provide clear direction.

    Equizotic Report

    bazjack
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a bad example. Even my lousy eyes can see that there's notes written on at least two of those pieces of paper. I can't see what they actually say, but they do exist, and I assume they provide more information about what can be found in each direction, or which group should follow which sign, something like that.

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    #77

    “Left Turn Signal” But What About The Other One?

    A traffic signal and left turn sign with conflicting arrows, a hilariously failed sign.

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